• Quality Education

Himalayan Trekking & Meaningful Adventure in India

location
4 - 4 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Fantastic 4.5  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Good response rate

Highlights

  • Pick up & drop off from Delhi airport at the time of your arrival in India by an iSpiice staff member.
  • Explore the UNESCO Heritage Sites - The Taj Mahal, Delhi City Tour (Capital of India) Golden Temple and much more. All monuments entry tickets are included in total cost.
  • Visit the iconic Taj Mahal— One of the seven wonders of the modern world - the Taj Mahal.
  • Two days weekend Trekking in Himalayas & visit the Mini -Tibet of India – McLeodGanj - Two days trip to Amritsar, visit world famous the Golden Temple & wagha border ceremony.
  • Volunteering with children 5 days (Monday to Friday) per week (5 hours in a day) Delhi City Tour at the time of Arrival in India.

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Families
Groups
50+
Wheel Chairs

About the program

Be a responsible tourist: Combine volunteering with adventurous traveling! Take a meaningful volunteer trip in India and support local communities in need.

We offer volunteer programs in Dharamsala - a region of unparalleled beauty nestled in the Himalayan mountain range. iSpiice Volunteer house is situated one hour drive from Dharamsala town. In the village communities surrounding Dharamsala town, iSpiice programs promote education, empowerment and ...

About the program

We offer volunteer programs in Dharamsala - a region of unparalleled beauty nestled in the Himalayan mountain range. iSpiice Volunteer house is situated one hour drive from Dharamsala town. In the village communities surrounding Dharamsala town, iSpiice programs promote education, empowerment and care initiatives. By focusing on one community at a time iSpiice have a greater impact, assisting in practical and sustainable ways. 

Dharamsala is located at an elevation of 1,400 metres on the upper reaches of the Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh - known as the Land of Gods. Not surprisingly His Holiness the Dalai Lama calls Dharamsala home, and he gives public teachings in the area throughout the year which can be attended by all. The peaceful town of Dharamsala is a stark contrast to India's bustling cities which are also visited during the program.

iSpiice responsible travel and volunteer opportunities place you at the heart of rural India; work alongside local communities and be welcomed into their daily lives.  Expand your network in cross-cultural teams and benefit from renewed creativity, motivation and a vision that will carry into many facets of your life. Volunteers in India leave Dharamsala feeling that they received much more than they gave, or had expected, while local institutions greatly value the efforts in time and energy that volunteers give.

Volunteer Role & Responsibilities while volunteering:
  1. Teach the basics of English & Computers to the children and women, and Create a playful environment by encouraging them to learn arts and crafts, singing, dancing, grammar etc
  2. Become a volunteer teacher and inspire children in India.
  3. Make a vital contribution to the education system in India and make a real difference in the lives of local people.
  4. Improve the teaching standards  by introducing fresh and exciting ideas.
  5. Interact with the local community and get to know friendly Indian Children and women.
  6. Teach basic computers to children & typing skills or Microsoft word and use of Internet.
  7. Educating young girls about their rights.
Itinerary: Here is a sample itinerary of what you might expect to see and do during these 3 weeks.

Day 1 (Sunday - Delhi) 
Welcome to Delhi: Pick up from Delhi International Airport at the time of your arrival in India by an iSpiice staff member & transfer to a pre-booked (AC – Air conditioner) hotel which we have already booked for you in Delhi. Overnight Stay at hotel in Delhi 
(Meals - NA)  

Day 2 (Monday – Delhi to Dharamsala): 9 hours by AC Train / AC Volvo Bus
After Breakfast, your coordinator will discuss your program itinerary with volunteers. Check out and get ready to witness Delhi including, India Gate and much more which are must see tourist places of Capital City India. Later we will transfer you to Dharamsala by AC train/AC Cab. 
(Meals - NA)
For your snacks/refreshments during the train/bus journey, we suggest buying packed snacks before you board the train/bus or to buy food onboard. Your Program Coordinator will brief you about the same.

Day 3 (Tuesday- Dharamsala) 
Enjoy your breakfast at volunteer house with other volunteers and take part in orientation. Volunteering will start today programs include, Teach basic English & computers skills (Word, Excel, paint & typing skills), women’s empowerment and much more. Evenings are free to explore local area. 
(Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4 to Day 6 (Wednesday - Friday): Volunteering 
(Meals –Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7 to Day 8(Saturday- Sunday): Trekking in Himalayas (2 days, 1 night) 
(Meals –Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

  1. Depart Saturday morning in a vehicle arranged by iSpiice and travel to McLeod Ganj where the trek begins.
  2. Trek comfortably for 5-6 hours, stopping for food and plenty of photos whilst passing donkeys and local shepherds along the way.
  3. Once at the top enjoy the stunning mountain scenery, relax, watch the sunset, eat dinner and warm up by the fire before retiring to the guesthouse or tent. 
  4. Wake up and watch the sunrise early on Sunday morning.
  5. Eat breakfast, pack up your belongings and begin the descent.
  6. Arrive in McLeod Ganj for lunch at local restaurants and explore the area. (Lunch not included in the cost).
  7. Travel back to iSpiice Volunteer House. (Sunday Evening for Dinner) with iSpiice team member. Private vehicle will be provided by iSpiice.
Day 9 to Day 13 (Monday- Friday): Volunteer work
(Meals –Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 14 to Day 15 (Saturday - Sunday): The Golden Temple Trip/5 hours by cab
(Meals –NA)

  1. After Breakfast, We will transfer you to Amritsar, reaching Amritsar by lunchtime the city of the famous Golden Temple. Upon arrival at Amritsar, check in at the hotel arranged for you. 
  2. Explore the local market and drive to the Pakistan border to experience the famous Wagha border ceremony in the early evening
  3. Be wowed by the Golden Temple at night (the building, the lights, the prayers, the live music and of course the people). Visit the temple kitchens and food halls feeding thousands. Overnight stay at hotel.
  4. Sunday morning after breakfast, we will transfer you back to Dharamsala.
Day 16 to 20 (Monday to Friday) Volunteer work
(Meals –Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 21 to Day 22 (Saturday - Sunday): Free time to explore local area.
(Meals –Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 23 to Day 26 (Monday- Thursday): Volunteer work
(Meals –Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 27 & 28 (Friday & Saturday): Taj Mahal Trip by AC Train or Volvo Bus.
Friday early morning volunteers will leave to witness the Taj Mahal. (Overnight stay in Agra) Saturday morning - Visit the iconic Taj Mahal—India's most stunning homage to love. This finest example of Mughal architecture attracts thousands of tourists and visitors, who admire its magnificence and beauty. 

After sightseeing of Taj Mahal we will transfer you to Delhi to catch your departure flight reaching Delhi same day (Saturday). You will be than drop off to Delhi International airport by an iSpiice team member to catch your departure flight. We usually request our volunteers to book a departure flight any time after 08:00 pm. (Saturday)

Typical day

Typical Schedule of the Day while volunteering:

• 7:30am – Wake up and enjoy a Tea or Coffee.
• 9:00am – Breakfast and preparation for your class.
• 10:30pm – Volunteer Program.
• 12:45pm – Break for lunch and preparation for class.
• 2:30pm – Afternoon Tea and preparation for ...

Typical day

Typical Schedule of the Day while volunteering:

• 7:30am – Wake up and enjoy a Tea or Coffee.
• 9:00am – Breakfast and preparation for your class.
• 10:30pm – Volunteer Program.
• 12:45pm – Break for lunch and preparation for class.
• 2:30pm – Afternoon Tea and preparation for class.
• 3:00pm – Volunteer Program.
• 7:00pm – Dinner.
• 7:30pm – Relax, go shopping, prepare for tomorrow’s classes.

Free-time activities

Free-time activities

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Required Documents

CV

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

Volunteers must be 18 years or older. You must have an open mind for working in a new and different environment. We don’t require you to have any specific qualifications or experience. All you need is the desire to help, a willingness to learn, and the motivation to succeed. We believe that volunteering opportunities should be open to everyone.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by iSpiice

  • Pick up from Delhi International Airport at the time of your arrival in India by an iSpiice staff member & transfer to a pre-booked (AC – Air conditioner) hotel which we have already booked for you in Delhi. Overnight Stay at Hotel in Delhi.
  • Sight seeing in Delhi including, India Gate, Humayun's Tomb, Qutab Minar and more which are must see tourist places of Capital City India.
  • Transportation to Project site at Dharamsala (by overnight train, AC or by bus AC)
  • Volunteer work.
  • Experience trekking in the Himalayas and visit the Mini -Tibet of India, McLeodGanj.
  • Two day, one night trip to Amritsar to Golden Temple and Wagha Border ceremony.
  • Visit the iconic Taj Mahal—India's most stunning homage to love. This finest example of Mughal architecture attracts thousands of tourists and visitors, who admire its magnificence and beauty.
  • All monuments entry tickets. 
  • All accommodation during the placement.
  • All transportation during the trip.
  • All meals at volunteer house. (B,L,D)
  • Material required for teaching, pens, pencils, colors, notebooks, work books  & other teaching material.
  • Delhi Airport drop off at the end of taj Mahal Trip.
  • Accommodation in deluxe hotels during tours.
  • Experience of traveling by air-conditioned train in India.
  • All transportations.
  • Stay in a safe apartment with other volunteers and with iSpiice staff member.
  • Taxes.
  • Arrival and departure transfers.

Airport Pickup at Indira Gandhi International Airport

Pick up from Delhi International Airport at the time of your arrival in India by an iSpiice staff member & transfer to a pre-booked (AC – Air conditioner) hotel which we have already booked for you in Delhi. 

Accommodation

→ Volunteer House is large, clean, comfortable and communal. We have western comforts (electricity, hot running showers, wi-fi, fans, filtered water for drinking and western toilets). You can expect to share a room with one to three other volunteers of the same gender. Volunteers enjoy the shared environment of the Volunteer House – large bedrooms (separate male and female), bathrooms, large living areas for enjoying meals, relaxing and preparing lessons.

As with most Indian homes, there is no washing machine at the iSpiice house. You will have to get used to the Indian way of washing your clothes by hand and drying.

Food & Beverages

Three delicious, hygienic and healthy meals are provided each day at the iSpiice Volunteer House. Generally main meals will consist of traditional Indian food like vegetables, rice, Dal (lentils), roti (Indian bread), salad, Paratha, Jam, Butter, eggs, Porridge, Bread, Tea (chai) and filtered water is provided in the volunteer house.

There are small shops nearby to buy soft drinks, snack food, washing powder and basic toiletries. iSpiice cater to vegetarian and vegan diets. Please let us know in advance if you have any allergies to particular foods.

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi. We assist you to find cheap flights to India. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for India provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in India you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for India. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

Due to high demand of the program we pick up volunteers at the time of arrival in India on every Sunday. Pick up timings: Whole Sunday
Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

4 weeks 1,640€
Average fees 411€/week

Program fees

411€ per week 4 - 4 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

4 - 4 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with iSpiice during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Meet your organization

iSpiice

Fantastic 4.5 rating (58 reviews)

Non-profit - founded in 2010

Verified by Volunteer World

  Good response rate

Coordinated by

Varun

About the project

Join us to spend your gap year in the Himalayas or to combine amazing volunteer programs with travelling in India and visit stunning places like the Taj Mahal.

Meet your organization

iSpiice – Integrated Social Programs in Indian Child Education is set up to improve the lives of Indian families especially women and children in rural villages of India in Dharamsala.

iSpiice is a humanitarian organization supported by volunteers across the world that builds partnerships between international volunteers and Indian communities. iSpiice provides safe and affordable travel volunteer programs in India. Given the beauty, serenity and spiritual atmosphere of the area, his Holiness the Dalai Lama holds residency in Dharamsala. Our volunteers also appreciate the peacefulness of our location for their volunteer India Placement.

Join iSpiice and combine volunteer travel in India on a 2 day tour of the Taj Mahal, a two day guided Himalayan Trekking tour, a two day adventure tour in Manali and a two day tour of Punjab state visiting the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the Wagha border ceremony and the jallianwala Bagh gardens.

58 reviews · rating4.5

Volunteering in India with iSpiice was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. Not only did I have the opportunity to help teach kids English I also had the chance to see the most amazing sights such as Amritsar, The Golden Temple & and the world famous Wagha border ceremony. I also saw ...
If you are looking to interact directly with the people of India and appreciate the culture while still having the opportunity to see tourist destinations like the Taj Mahal iSpiice is a great choice. In addition to teaching, the extra activities on the mini break, such as trekking in the Himalayan ...
Romane Golebiewski rating5

2023 at Private Tutor Caretaker

Doing for the first time a volunteer abroad as a seventeen years old French girl. I am still learning how to speak English well. Indeed it is really open to every age and different level of English. Because without knowing exactly how this trip would look like it could be easy to worry about so ...
Aimee Mckay rating5

2023 at Private Tutor Caretaker

“iSpiice (Integrated Social Programs In Indian Child Education) is awesome! “My experience with iSpiice changed my life. It opened my eyes and my heart to a world that was so similar to mine, yet so different. It was also such an honor to be part of a global community of volunteers who were ...
Harriet Burdge rating5

2023 at Support Community Development & Help

Working with iSpiice has been a phenomenal experience. From its mission, to the people who run it, to the Programs we volunteer at. I’ve loved working with all the people behind iSpiice because they’re all nice, funny, accommodating and such joys to have around. Varun is so passionate about the ...
Keep an open mind and GO! The guidance and preparation resources I received pre-departure were spot on target and the in-country volunteer coordinator was absolutely fabulous! Very passionate and dedicated. I had an absolutely amazing experience in India with the iSpiice Volunteer program. This ...

Location

Asia > Southern Asia > India > Dharamsala

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Contact Varun
  Good response rate

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